INCHEON, South Korea – The maritime connection between South Korea and China has been revitalized as the Incheon-Dandong ferry service has officially resumed passenger transportation after a hiatus of five years and two months. The suspension, enforced in January 2020 due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, has finally been lifted, marking a significant step towards reconnecting the two port cities.
The Incheon Port Authority (IPA) announced on Monday that Dandong Ferry, a prominent shipping company also known as Dandong International Shipping Co., Ltd., has redeployed its 24,748-ton roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger ferry, the 'Oriental Pearl VIII', to service the Incheon-Dandong route. The resumption of operations commenced today, breathing new life into the once-bustling sea lane.
The 'Oriental Pearl VIII' made its inaugural post-suspension arrival in Incheon this morning, carrying approximately 500 eager passengers and 12 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of freight. The vessel had departed from Dandong, a significant port city in China's Liaoning province bordering North Korea, the previous day, signaling the recommencement of cross-border travel and trade via this maritime route.
To commemorate this long-awaited revival, the IPA and Dandong Ferry jointly organized a welcoming ceremony at the Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal. The first disembarking passengers and the captain of the 'Oriental Pearl VIII' were greeted with bouquets of flowers and presented with commemorative plaques, underscoring the significance of this occasion for both parties and the broader regional connectivity.
The 'Oriental Pearl VIII' boasts a substantial capacity, capable of accommodating up to 1,500 passengers and transporting 214 TEUs of cargo on each voyage. The current schedule indicates that the ferry will depart from Incheon three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, offering regular and reliable transportation options for travelers and businesses alike.
The reinstatement of the Incheon-Dandong route expands the network of passenger ferry connections between Incheon and Chinese cities to a total of seven. This increase in maritime links is expected to facilitate greater tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between South Korea and China.
Dandong's unique geographical location, bordering North Korea, adds a distinctive dimension to this ferry route. Dandong offers various tourism programs that provide access to attractions linked to North Korea, such as the majestic Mount Baekdu and the scenic Yalu River. Dandong Ferry anticipates significant interest from South Korean tourists seeking these unique cross-border experiences.
Recognizing the importance of a smooth and safe resumption of passenger services, the IPA has undertaken several preparatory measures. These include enhancing the aesthetics of the shuttle buses that transport passengers between the terminal and the quayside and conducting thorough safety inspections of the facilities in collaboration with private sector experts. These efforts underscore the commitment to providing a comfortable and secure environment for all travelers utilizing the Incheon-Dandong ferry service.
Lee Kyung-gyu, the President of the Incheon Port Authority, expressed his optimism about the route's potential. "The Dandong route has high demand because it offers connections to various attractive tourist destinations, including historical sites of the ancient Goguryeo kingdom," stated President Lee. "We are committed to optimizing the operation of the passenger terminal to revitalize passenger traffic and ensure stable and reliable transportation services for all."
The resumption of the Incheon-Dandong ferry service marks a positive development in the relationship between South Korea and China, fostering greater connectivity and offering new opportunities for tourism and economic cooperation. As the 'Oriental Pearl VIII' sets sail once again across the Yellow Sea, it carries with it the hopes of renewed exchanges and strengthened ties between the two nations. The local communities and businesses in both Incheon and Dandong are expected to benefit from the increased flow of people and goods, signaling a promising chapter in their maritime history.
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